Her Majesty's Wizard
| File:Her majesty's wizard cover page.JPG Her Majesty's Wizard cover | |
| Author | Christopher Stasheff |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Series | A Wizard in Rhyme |
| Genre | Fantasy novel |
| Publisher | Del Rey Books |
Publication date | 1986 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover, Paperback) |
| Pages | 352 pp (paperback) |
| ISBN | ISBN 0-345-27456-3 Parameter error in {{ISBNT}}: invalid character |
| Preceded by | none |
| Followed by | The Oathbound Wizard |
Her Majesty's Wizard is one of the earliest novels by Christopher Stasheff and the first in the series A Wizard in Rhyme.
Plot summary
A PhD student called Matthew "Matt" Mantrell is transported into a fantasy world. In that world, which mirrors our own (but a thousand years ago), magic still reigns supreme. Dragons, wizards, sorcerers and giants are just some of the exotic residents of this world. Most importantly, faith (in the Christ) exists in this world, and largely influences the works of men [1]. Devout men who believe in God - exactly the way the Christian doctrine dictates - will turn out successful in their actions.
Matt found himself the unwitting hero who has to rescue royalty-in-distress and help her regain her rule from an evil usurper.
Characters
- Matthew "Matt" Mantrell : A PhD student who, through reading forbidden runes, stumbled into a magical world similar to his original Earth homeland. The geography of the new world is similar to Matt's home world, and even shared some common history. By accident, he discovered he could perform magic in the new world by reciting rhymes.
- Sir Guy de Toutarien : Alias Sir Guy Losobal. A brave and upright knight and epitome of romantic knight in feudal age. He hid the fact that he was a descendant of Hardishane, a hero in the past who fought evil and established an Empire for goodness and order.
- Stegoman : A fire-breathing dragon who unfortunately got intoxicated whenever he breathed fire.
- Saint Montcaire : Patron saint of Merovence.
- Colmain : A giant sworn to protect Royal House of Merovence.
- Duke Astaulf : Murderer of the rightful king of Merovence and usurper of its throne.
- Sayeesa : A witch who charmed Matthew to make him use his powers at her bidding.
- Duke of Montmarte : A loyal noble to the rightful Royal House of Merovence. He and a number of other loyalist nobles were imprisoned by Duke Astaulf.
- Marquis Sauvignon : Son of Duke of Montmarte, he adored Alisande.
- Earl of Norville : Once aligned to the false king Astaulf, he switched allegiance to serve Alisande.
- Baron D'Art : A loyal noble who shared the same cell as Duke of Montmarte.
- Duke of Lachaise : A noble aligned with Duke Astaulf.
- Count Ennudid : A noble aligned with Duke Astaulf.
Major themes
Catholic thought and tradition are the driving forces in this work. The author forms a world in which the catechism as well as some early traditions translates directly into reality. (See passages on the blood royal, and the siege of the convent.)
Any student of Catholicism will quickly see their studies reflected in the lives and actions of the characters. (i.e. the princess’s admonition to Matt after they encounter the lust witch, and the priest/werewolf’s internal turmoil)
Another important theme is the culture shock resulting from an individual abruptly transitioning from our modern relativistic culture into a black and white world. Stasheff goes to great lengths in juxtaposing the modern and medieval mindsets. (An excellent example here is Matt’s interaction with Maxwell’s Demon, a sub plot carried into book two of the series.)
Literary significance & criticism
The book gets most of its criticism from its strong adherence to the Christian doctrine [2]. While it is well written, and tension and humor are kept throughout the book, it carries a very large propaganda in it. If you're not a good Christian, then you're not one of the 'good guys'. If you think lusty thoughts for your neighbor, then you are a sinner, and just might transform into a werewolf when the moon is full. The sin here lies in the thought - and not in the actual doings. The way to repent your sins is not to think over them or try to make amends to the ones hurt by them. To repent for your sins in the eyes of God, you must go to a confessor and confess your sins. He will then send you to recite a few 'Ave Maria' or the likes - and you're back into the fold. Of course this is because it takes place in a world where god and devil are very much present.
Footnotes
- [1] Her Majesty's Wizard, Christopher Stasheff, 1986
- [2] http://www.amazon.com/Her-Majestys-Wizard-Christopher-Stasheff/dp/0345274563